The member States of the Council of Europe, signatory to this Protocol,
Having regard to their undertakings under the Statute of the Council of Europe;
Desirous of further contributing to safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law and support the democratic fabric of society;
Considering it desirable to that effect to strengthen their individual and collective ability to respond to crime;
Decided to improve on and supplement in certain aspects the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters done at Strasbourg on 20 April 1959 (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"), as well as the Additional Protocol thereto, done at Strasbourg on 17 March 1978;
Taking into consideration the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, done at Rome on 4 November 1950, as well as the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data, done at Strasbourg on 28 January 1981,
Have agreed as fo
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